Plans for a major housing development in Lincolnshire have been rejected by a planning inspector.
Developers wanted to build 970 homes in Louth, Lincolnshire, but this was twice rejected by East Lindsey District Council.
The authority was concerned over the sustainability of such the project.
Gladman Developments appealed but a planning inspector has now backed the decision by council members whose officers twice recommended approval.
The scheme included affordable housing, a community centre, primary school and public open space.
But a council committee declined permission for a second time in November.
The building firm appealed, arguing the area needed another 2,000 homes to meet the council’s own housing requirements.
However, a government planning inspector said the authority’s decision was correct.